You want a daily driver that screams “race car” but still handles the school drop-off? The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance might be the answer. It pairs a handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 engine with serious plug-in hybrid punch, giving you the best of both worlds.
I know what you’re thinking—can a four-cylinder really replace a V8? An AMG 63 is supposed to come with an 8-cylinder engine, we’ll discuss that in this review.
Key Takeaways
Massive Power: The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance pumps out a combined 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. It uses the M139l engine (the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder) paired with a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor to hit 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Performance Hybrid Strategy: Unlike typical hybrids, this 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery prioritizes speed over long electric range. It uses an “always-on” strategy derived from Formula 1 to ensure you always have electric boost available, even if the EV-only range is limited to short neighborhood trips (approx. 14 kilometers).
Smart Safety Standard: You get a full suite of tech including PRE-SAFE, seven airbags, Blind Spot Assist, and the Surround View System. For highway cruising, the optional Driver Assistance Package is a must-have, adding adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC) and active lane change assist.
Tech-Heavy Interior: The cabin features the MBUX infotainment system with a specific “Supersport” display mode. You get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on an 11.9-inch touchscreen, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a fingerprint scanner to load your personal driver profile instantly.
Price & Value: The GLC 63 S E Performance starts at an MSRP of $111,500 (with many optional packages available, increasing the price significantly).
Table of Contents
Pricing and Trim Levels
Performance costs money, and the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is no exception. It sits at the top of the GLC lineup.
Base model pricing
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance starts at an MSRP of $111,500. But that’s just the price of entry, if you want more goodies, you’ll need to pay up. With all the boxes ticked, the price gets to over $140,000 Canadian.
Options & Packages On Our Review GLC 63
Our review 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance was well equipped, below are the optional packages our car came with.
| Package Name | Est. Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| AMG Active Ride Control | $4,600 | |
| Pinnacle Trim | $3,200 | Head-Up Display, Augmented Video Nav, Digital Light w/ Projections. |
| AMG Night Package | $1,000 | Blacked-out exterior trim, tailpipes, and splitter. |
| AMG Design Package | $4,500 | AMG Track Pace, Increase in Top Speed (to 275 km/h), Red AMG High Performance Composite Braking System, AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather/MICROCUT |
| Driver’s Assistance Package | $2,500 | Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Change Assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, Active Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, PRE-SAFE IMPULSE SIDE, Active Steering Assist, Enhanced Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driving Assistance Package Plus, Route-Based Speed Adaptation |
| AMG Carbon Fiber Package | $1,200 | Real carbon fiber mirrors and rear spoiler. |
| 21″ AMG Forged Wheels | $3,500 |
Our review car’s price came to $134,350 CAD, that’s before luxury tax (at least in British Columbia) and sales taxes are applied.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
This is where the magic happens. Under the hood lies the M139l engine, the heart of the beast. It’s the world’s first production engine with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger. Instead of a V8 rumble, you get a high-tech scream and instant response. It feels like the future of speed. At least that’s what the marketing materials would have you believe, personally, I couldn’t stand the sound of the fake “engine” noises.
Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 engine
Every engine is built by a single technician at the AMG factory in Affalterbach. They even sign a plaque on the engine cover.
This 2.0-liter unit alone produces 469 horsepower. That is an insane number for a four-cylinder engine. It uses a closed-deck construction—similar to race cars—to handle the immense internal pressures.
The engine is mounted longitudinally (front-to-back), which improves weight distribution compared to standard transverse (sideways) engines.
Electric exhaust-gas turbocharger
Turbo lag is the enemy of fun. To kill it, AMG installed a tiny electric motor directly on the turbocharger shaft. It spins the turbo up to 175,000 rpm before the exhaust gas even arrives.
This means you get instant torque the moment you touch the pedal. No waiting, no hesitation.
The system runs on a 400-volt electrical architecture, ensuring it always has enough juice to keep the boost building. It maintains boost pressure even when you lift off the throttle, so the power is there immediately if you get back on the gas.
Rear-mounted 150kW electric motor
The gas engine has a partner: a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor. This isn’t just for saving gas; it’s for adding speed.
It acts directly on the rear axle, bypassing the 9-speed transmission for immediate acceleration. It even has its own 2-speed gearbox to ensure it provides plenty of torque at launch and plenty of horsepower at high speeds.
This “P3 hybrid” layout balances the car beautifully. With the engine up front and the motor/battery in the back, the weight distribution is nearly 50/50, making the car feel agile in corners.
Combined 671 horsepower output
When the gas engine and electric motor work together, you get 671 horsepower. The torque figure is even more shocking: 752 lb-ft.
This allows the GLC 63 S E Performance to launch from 0 to 100 km/h in a manufacturer-claimed 3.5 seconds. Independent tests often find it even faster on a prepped surface.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system manages this chaos. It can send 100% of the power to the rear wheels for a drift mode sensation or split it for maximum grip in the rain. It’s a level of control that makes you feel like a hero behind the wheel.
Hybrid System and F1-Inspired Technology
You’ll hear “Formula 1 technology” thrown around a lot in car ads, but here it’s actually true. The battery system uses the same cooling tech found in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 race cars.
Plug-in hybrid performance features
The 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery uses a high-tech coolant that flows around every single battery cell. This keeps the battery at the perfect temperature (around 45°C), no matter how hard you drive.
Why does this matter? A hot battery loses power. This cooling system ensures you can do back-to-back full-throttle launches without the system pulling power to protect itself.
You can manage the energy yourself with four recuperation levels. Level 0 feels like coasting in neutral, while Level 3 allows for “one-pedal” driving, where the regenerative braking is strong enough to slow the car down significantly when you lift off.
Instant torque delivery
The main benefit of this system is the “torque fill.” Gas engines need a moment to build revs. Electric motors don’t.
When you stomp the gas, the electric motor hits instantly with 236 lb-ft of torque. By the time that initial electric shove fades, the gas turbo engine is screaming at full boost.
The result is a seamless, relentless wave of acceleration that pulls hard from a dead stop all the way to the 171 mph top speed. It fixes the one weakness of small turbo engines.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Let’s be real: you aren’t buying this car to save the planet. The hybrid system is here for speed, not hyper-miling.
Electric-only driving range
The electric-only range is short—expect roughly 14 kms in ideal conditions, I found it be a lot less than that at around 6-7 kms, in winter conditions with temperatures ranging in the 3-5°C range. It’s not designed for a full commute on battery alone.
So, what is it good for? It’s perfect for sneaking out of your neighborhood early in the morning without waking the neighbors. Once you hit the main road, the gas engine fires up, and the real fun begins.
The system is programmed to never fully drain the battery. It always keeps a reserve of energy so that full 671 hp punch is available when you need to pass a semi-truck.
Charging time and options
Since the battery is small, it charges quickly. Using the 3.7 kW onboard charger, you can fill it up at a public Level 2 charger or a home wall box in about one hour and fifteen minutes.
You can also charge it while driving. In “Race” mode, the engine aggressively recharges the battery during braking and cruising to ensure the battery is full for your next corner exit.
The charging port is on the rear bumper, which is convenient for backing into charging spots. Just plug in, lock the car, and check the status via the Mercedes me connect app on your phone.
Can The 4-Cylinder Replace The V8
The biggest controversy with this new AMG 63 (especially in the C 63 AMG) has been the replacement of the hand-crafted V8 with the 4-cylinder engine. While the last few paragraphs gave you all the amazing stats on this 4-cylinder engine and how powerful and efficient it is, the real world is a little different.
Did I like the new 4-cylinder engine? Yes, but not in an AMG 63, while the engine is powerful and super efficient, it just can’t live up to the legacy of the V8s of the old-er AMGs. The power is there, but there is just so much going on, the car going between electric and gasoline, the weird sounds the “exhaust” makes when it’s in gasoline mode and then when it switches to electric mode, producing annoying whining sounds that constantly change, depending on who knows what. I feel like one of those old boomers saying “there is no replacement for displacement”. But it’s true, an AMG 63 is meant to be a no-nonsense hammer, that just goes when you hit the gas peddle while making amazing sounds, not a science experiment gone wrong.
Because of backlash, currently there is no C 63 available, and from reports I’ve seen on other websites, Mercedes will not be using this engine in the GLC/C 63 going forward.
Exterior Design and Styling
The design of the GLC 63 is not controversial at all. You catch eyes at every stoplight with this SUV. The “Panamericana” grille with vertical struts immediately marks it as an AMG, while the aggressive front apron features large air inlets that aren’t just for show—they feed the massive cooling needs of the hybrid system.
Aerodynamic enhancements
The body isn’t just about sharp looks; it’s about controlling the air. The track width is matched front and rear at 64.8 inches, giving the car a planted, wide stance.
Mercedes engineers added a functional rear diffuser and a roof spoiler to manage airflow at high speeds. These parts work together to press the car down onto the road, improving grip when you’re pushing hard.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension sits lower than the standard GLC, reducing drag. Active air curtains in the front bumper guide air around the front wheels to cut turbulence.
Every vent and curve has a job. It’s a design that says “performance first,” which is exactly what you want in an AMG.
Available color options
You have twelve ways to make this car your own. If you prefer to fly under the radar, classic choices like Polar White or Obsidian Black Metallic keep things stealthy.
But if you want to show off the body lines, the MANUFAKTUR paint options are the way to go.
- MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic: A deep, rich red that glows in the sun.
- MANUFAKTUR High-tech Silver Magno: A matte finish that looks incredibly mean and modern.
- MANUFAKTUR Opalite White Metallic: A brighter, pearl-like finish that emphasizes the coupe’s curves.
A quick pro-tip on matte paint: If you choose a “Magno” matte finish, you must hand wash it. Automatic car washes with brushes will ruin the unique texture, leaving shiny spots you can’t fix.
Wheel designs and sizes
The standard setup includes 20-inch AMG twin 10-spoke alloy wheels. They look great and offer a slightly more forgiving ride on rough city streets.
For the best grip, many buyers upgrade to the 21-inch forged wheels. These come wrapped in wider high-performance tires—265mm in the front and a massive 295mm in the rear. This “staggered” setup helps the car turn in sharply while the rear tires struggle for traction under full power.
Which one should you pick?
| Wheel Size | Best For | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 20-Inch Standard | Daily driving, potholes, comfort | Less aggressive look |
| 21-Inch Forged | Maximum cornering grip, style | Stiffer ride, expensive tires |
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
Inside, the GLC 63 S feels like a cockpit. It blends luxury materials with serious driver-focused tools.
Premium materials and finishes
The standard seats are wrapped in Black MB-Tex and microfiber with red stitching. This material grabs you better than smooth leather, holding you in place during hard cornering.
If you want a more upscale feel, you can upgrade to Nappa leather. The dashboard is covered in man-made leather, and you can spec real carbon fiber trim for that authentic race car vibe.
The AMG Performance steering wheel is a highlight. It features twin spokes and two round rotary dials (AMG Drive Units) hanging off the hub. These let you change drive modes or adjust the suspension stiffness without taking your hands off the wheel.
Advanced infotainment system
The center of the dashboard is dominated by the 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen running the latest MBUX software. It’s tilted slightly toward the driver, making it easier to reach.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and fill the entire screen, which looks fantastic. The “Zero Layer” menu design is smart—it learns your habits and puts the buttons you use most (like navigation or phone) right on the home screen so you aren’t digging through sub-menus.
AMG-specific digital displays
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers views you won’t find in a regular GLC. The “Supersport” layout features a central tachometer with a 3D depth effect that looks cool.
For track days, you can use the AMG Track Pace app. It records your lap times, 0-60 sprints, and even telemetry data like throttle position and brake pressure.
There is also a dedicated hybrid display that shows exactly where the power is flowing—from the engine, the battery, or both. It’s a great way to understand how the complex P3 system is working in real-time.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Even a race car needs to be safe. Mercedes packs the GLC 63 S with technology that watches your back.
Standard safety technologies
Standard kit includes Active Brake Assist, which can automatically brake for vehicles or crossing pedestrians. Blind Spot Assist is also standard and includes a helpful “Exit Warning” feature that alerts you if a car or cyclist is coming before you open your door.
The Surround View System is a lifesaver for parking. It gives you a 360-degree bird’s-eye view, making it easy to park this wide SUV without curbing your expensive alloy wheels.
Optional driver-assistance packages
For highway driving, I highly recommend the Driver Assistance Package ($1,950). It adds Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which is one of the best adaptive cruise control systems on the market.
It also includes:
- Active Steering Assist: Keeps you centered in your lane on the highway.
- PRE-SAFE Impulse Side: If the car senses a side impact is imminent, air bladders in the seat bolster inflate instantly to push you toward the center of the car, away from the door impact zone.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Just tap the turn signal, and the car will check the blind spot and change lanes for you automatically.
Competitor Comparisons
Before you sign the papers, you need to know what else is out there. This segment is brutally competitive.
Porsche Macan GTS
The Porsche Macan GTS is the benchmark for handling. It uses a V6 engine with 434 horsepower. While that’s significantly less than the AMG’s 671 hp, the Macan is lighter.
The Porsche feels more natural to drive because it doesn’t have the complex weight of a hybrid system. However, it’s slower in a straight line (0-60 in 4.3s claimed) and the interior tech feels a generation behind the Mercedes.
If you want pure connection to the road, drive the Porsche. If you want maximum tech and straight-line violence, get the AMG.
Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5 is a great daily driver, but it’s not really in the same league. It has a V6 making 349 horsepower and takes about 4.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.
It’s much cheaper, starting around $82,000, but it lacks the drama, power, and road presence of the GLC 63. It’s a “warm” SUV, while the AMG is “hot.”
Maserati Grecale Trofeo
The Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a serious rival. It packs a twin-turbo V6 engine derived from the MC20 supercar, making 523 horsepower. It hits 0-60 in 3.6 seconds.
The Maserati has Italian flair and a fantastic engine note that the AMG’s four-cylinder can’t quite match. However, the dealer network is smaller, and Maserati reliability can be hit-or-miss compared to Mercedes.
Also, the Maserati lacks the plug-in hybrid capability, so you don’t get the silent electric creeping ability or the instant torque fill of the AMG.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a technical marvel, in terms of performance and efficiency. Sure, the electric-only driving range is short, and the complex systems add weight. But when you stomp the pedal and feel that 671 horsepower pin you to the seat, none of that matters.
However, it lacks the drama of the V8 engines AMG 63 variants of Mercedes are known for. And that is what most people buying these types of cars are looking for, because nobody really needs a 600+ horsepower SUV, you just want to flex and that’s not achieved with this car in my humble opinion.
2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Review Photo Gallery
People Also Ask
What powers the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, and how does it drive?
The handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 engine uses an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger and hybrid electric motor to deliver 671 hp on premium unleaded gasoline. This setup powers the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, launching you to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Which tech features stand out in the cabin?
You get wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on the 11.9-inch center screen, plus a premium sound system for crisp audio. The setup includes a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a digital vehicle key that grants access via the Mercedes-Benz app.
How does this model handle safety?
It comes loaded with a surround view system, blind spot monitor, and automatic headlights that coordinate with your fog lights and brakelights. You are protected by front airbags, a center airbag, and safety belts with pretensioners, all supported by stability control and available Mercedes-Benz driver assistance technology.
Is charging convenient for the plug-in hybrid powertrain?
While you can access the Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network, this performance plug-in hybrid is primarily designed to recharge its battery via the gas engine while you drive.
Does it offer anything special in terms of ride comfort or driving feel?
Active rear-axle steering helps mask the vehicle’s curb weight, making it feel surprisingly agile in tight corners. AMG Ride Control pairs with adaptive suspension, while red brake calipers and manual mode in AMG Dynamic Select give you total control.
What makes the interior experience memorable beyond just luxury materials?
The AMG interior features heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light. Practical touches like keyless entry, a hands-free liftgate, and durable AMG floor mats make it easy to live with, whether you are hauling gear or commuting with dual zone climate control.
